The Windmill was built in 1931 by Donald Holland, in whose honor the “Hollander” New York Steak is named. Mr. Holland’s dream was to own and operate a restaurant. He envisioned, designed and built the little Windmill shaped building with monies borrowed from his father. Unfortunately Mr. Holland business partner absconded with the funds necessary to complete the building. Mr. Holland was never able to open his restaurant and is said to never have eaten there after it was opened.
In its early years, The Windmill was a typical “road house” of its time as it was on the northwest fringe of Wenatchee. It was said to have been frequented by counterfeiters and legend has it that the upstairs room was a meeting place for bootleggers. The Windmill had gained a “late night” reputation.
Following the repeal of prohibition, The Windmill was granted an unusual state liquor license allowing the sale of unopened containers “to go”. This was evidently due to the operators practice of putting a bottle of beer in sack lunches made for State Highway Department Road Crews. The Highway Department remains our neighbor today just to the north of our building.
In the years after the war The Windmill was being engulfed by the northerly growth of Wenatchee. Under the ownership of Sam Harrison, a Greek immigrant, The Windmill evolved into a more respectable establishment while still staying open till the wee hours of the morning. The Windmill still serves an Americanized Greek Salad, first offered by Mr. Harrison.
By the late 1950’s, owner Bill Glass had established The Windmill as an excellent steak house open only for dinner. The Glass Family still owns The Windmill property today. 
In 1962 Larry and Willie Lewin, the first of several long term lease holders, began the practice of totalling each days steaks served, and posting the total on a chalkboard for all to see. The Lewin’s served 359000 steaks from 1962 to 1982.
The Windmill building has been added onto several times but only once to increase seating. This addition was made in 1982 by Pat and Linda Jackson bringing the capacity to 64 seats. Mr. & Mrs. Jackson served approximately 360,000 steaks from 1982 to 1996.
The cozy mountain lodge knotty pine interior and wonderfully built in wooden booths are reminders of time past when life was simpler and trendy décor tricks a thing of the future.
Today Greg and Debbie Johnson operate The Windmill with the commitment to preserve the history and style while continuing the tradition of providing excellent hand cut steaks, slow roasted Prime Rib, fresh seafood and homemade desserts. The Johnson’s have served approximately 150,000 steaks since 1997.
